This post explains how to reach Versailles from Paris, France by train.
There are three different options for a train to Versailles, but we will also include information about other ways to get there, including public coaches, organized bus tours, and more.
- Trains to Versailles
- Guide to RER C Train
- Versailles by Coach
- By Organized Bus Tour
- Tickets to Versailles
- Things to See at Versailles
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TRAIN FROM PARIS TO VERSAILLES
If you want to spend more time exploring Versailles at your own pace, taking a train might be your best bet.
Not only is this one of the fastest ways to get here, but it’s also quite affordable.
There are 3 different ways to get from Paris to Versailles by train, and we'll cover each option below:
RER C Train
The RER C line (yellow) will take you from Paris to Versailles for just €3.65 ($4) per person each way.
This train travels through Paris from east to west while following the river Seine.
Each station is about 10 minutes from the next stop, and the train comes every 15 minutes.
If you feel like taking a walk beforehand, consider walking to one of the other train stations.
Depending on your specific location, it will take you anywhere from 60-90 minutes to reach Versailles. Although these are the longest travel times of all 3 options, this is also the most affordable train ticket to Versailles from Paris.
Your destination will be the Chateau rive Gauche station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Palace of Versailles.
GUIDE TO USING RER C TRAIN
The first step is to locate the nearest train station to your hotel or apartment if you wish to take the RER C train.
In order to do that, here is a quick summary of the difference between Metro and RER lines.
The Metro has a total of 14 lines, while there are only 5 RER lines.
The Metro is limited to areas in and around the city of Paris, while the RER will take you a bit further out.
Since the Palace of Versailles is located on the outskirts of Paris, you'll need to use the RER C train to get there.
This is undoubtedly one of the most affordable ways to reach Versailles.
Luckily, there are some Metro stations that connect to the RER lines, and you can actually catch the RER C from these locations.
Even if the closest Metro station to you does not connect to RER lines, you can usually ride the Metro to a stop where you will be able to catch the RER C.
While you could walk or use a rideshare program to reach a metro or train station that services the RER trains, it's probably easiest to just use the Metro to get there if you can.
It will take you between 60 and 90 minutes to get from Paris to Versailles using the RER C line, depending on where your accommodation is (including the walking distance).
That said, you can usually get there in about an hour.
Which Metro stations service the RER C train?
The following Paris Metro stations are connected to the RER C line, and you can catch that train at these locations:
- Metro 13 at Porte de Clichy.
- Metro 3 at Pereire – Levallois.
- Metro 1 at Neuilly – Porte Maillot.
- Metro 9 at Boulainvilliers.
- Metro 10 at Javel.
- Metro 6 at Champs de Mars – Tour Eiffel.
- Metro 8 and metro 13 at Invalides.
- Metro 4, metro 10, and RER B at Saint-Michel – Notre Dame.
- Metro 5 and metro 10 at Paris – Austerlitz.
- Metro 14 at Bibliothèque François Mitterrand.
Will I need to buy both a Metro and RER C ticket?
No, you will not. Metro tickets are interchangeable with RER tickets, so you can use the same ticket from a Metro station to get on board an RER C train.
Read our full post covering how to use the Paris Metro for more details.
You might also want to check the schedule for the RER C train to further plan out your trip to Versailles.
How do I find the right train?
Once you've found a Metro station where you can catch an RER C train, follow the signs to the platform that says Versailles Chateau RG.
You'll find displays at the station that indicate which trains are coming and where they are going.
Once again, the information you'll be looking for will be found under the title Versailles Chateau RG.
The RG stands for Rive Gauche, and you might also see that terminology used. Whatever you do, do not assume that the Versail Chateau line is correct.
Unless it uses the letters RG or the phrase Rive Gauche, there's a chance you might be getting on the wrong train.
Train Line L
If you decide to stay in the north of Paris, another option is to take the L train from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite.
If you're near Montmartre or the Galeries Lafayettes or Printemps department stores, the Paris Saint Lazare station is convenient.
These retail stores are direct across from this train station.
It should take about 45 minutes to get reach Chateau Versailles Rive Droite train station.
The Versailles Palace is around 10 minutes away by foot, but it's on the opposite side of the city.
That said, many find it more simple and more convenient to reach the palace from this location.
With such a short travel time, it shouldn't be too surprising that ticket prices are a bit higher for this option.
Book L Line Train Tickets here.
TER N Train
The TER N train is your next option, and it departs from Montparnasse.
If you're staying at a hotel or apartment in south Paris, this is going to be one of the easiest ways to reach Versailles.
This train takes around 50 minutes from the Montparnasse train station to the Versailles Rive Gauche stop.
As with every other option, this station is only a 10-minute walk from the Palace of Versailles.
Since it's a shorter trip, ticket prices are going to be a bit more expensive.
Check for TER N Train tickets here.
Things to Consider
Another excellent option is to take a walking tour of Versailles Palace from Paris, as many of these services include a round-trip train ticket to Versailles.
Ticket prices for these tours range from €30 - €50 on average, and they include a tour in addition to transportation via train.
Most of these services also provide admission to Versailles Palace!
For more details, please read our post covering guided tours of Versailles.
PUBLIC BUS TO VERSAILLES
There are a few different coach services in Paris that offer round-trip shuttle transfers to and from Versailles.
Prices typically range from €25 - €35 per seat not including the palace entrance.
The advantage of taking a coach is that seating is typically more comfortable than on a public train and they often provide air conditioning during the summer to keep you cool.
Since they aren’t making any stops on the way or trying to provide a tour, these services can be pretty quick at around 45-60 minutes each way.
Look into this luxury coach to Versailles for more information about this option.
BUS TOUR FROM PARIS TO VERSAILLES
One of the easiest ways to reach Versailles is simply to take an organized bus tour from Paris, as these services include admission to Versailles Palace and of course a guided tour of the area.
Tickets for these organized bus tours typically range from €55-€65 ($60-$70) on average.
You can expect the duration of each trip to last between 4-8 hours depending on which activities are included.
If you’re looking for a simple service that will allow you to visit the Versailles Palace
For more information about this transportation option, please read our post covering guided tours of Versailles or purchase tickets for an organized bus tour to Versailles.
Where is Versailles?
You’ll find Versailles approximately 20 km (12 miles) Southwest of Paris, which is definitely close enough to consider a day trip to the region.
No matter how you choose to get here, it will likely take about 1 hour to reach Versailles, with a car ride being only about 10 minutes faster than the train on average.
With each form of transportation clocking in at around the same amount of time, it will be important to consider both the price and the comfort/ease of use for each option.
If you’re looking for more specific information detailing how to get there from your current location, please use this Google Maps link to plan your trip more efficiently.
Another excellent option is to take a walking tour of Versailles Palace from Paris, as many of these services include a round-trip train ticket to Versailles.
Ticket prices for these tours range from €30 - €50 on average, and they obviously include a tour in addition to transportation via train.
For more details, please read our post covering guided tours of Versailles.
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